Wrestler v. Colt

Foth, C.J.:

Following a bench trial, the trial court found defendants’ oil and gas lease on plaintiffs’ land had terminated, ordered defendants to plug all wells on the land and awarded plaintiffs their attorney fees and costs. The order was based on a finding that the lease was not producing in paying quantities. Defendants appeal, contending: (1) There was no substantial competent evidence establishing that defendants’ oil and gas lease was not producing in paying quantities; and (2) the lease termination and resulting order to plug wells violates public policy prohibiting waste of natural…